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Sacred Choral Music Festival

February 14-16, 2020

Let every instrument be tuned for praise; Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always; Alleluia! Alleluia!

For centuries, Christians have set sacred stories in song to praise and glorify God, giving voice to the deepest longings of the heart. Join Washington National Cathedral as we celebrate the beauty, breadth and power of liturgical music at the 2020 Sacred Choral Music Festival on February 14–16.

Led by Canon Michael McCarthy and the Cathedral music staff, the festival invites adults and young choral musicians to participate as we celebrate our passion for liturgical music together in the spiritual home for our nation.

Throughout the weekend choristers (3rd-12th grade) and adults (Altos, Tenors, and Basses) will rehearse in preparation for Saturday’s Festival Evening Prayer and also Sunday morning Eucharist and evensong in collaboration with our Cathedral Choristers and the Cathedral Singers. Please see the Festival Schedule and Repertoire Information for more details.

Festival Schedule and Repertoire Information

Junior Choristers should be comfortable singing in unison or two parts and have basic music reading skills. Selections for the festival have been chosen so that Junior Choristers will have a wide range of unison anthems to sing on Sundays. The will also sing with the Senior choristers on some of the more difficult selections to encourage growth and confidence.

Senior Choristers should be comfortable singing in 3 or 4 part textures and have intermediate music reading skills. Selections for the festival have been chosen to keep older musicians engaged with more challenging musical concepts.

Adults should also be comfortable singing in 3 or 4 part textures and have intermediate music reading skills. Selections for the festival have been chosen to highlight trebles and individual adult sections.

Pre-Registration

Space is limited; reserve your place by pre-registering before November 1. Those who do not pre-register may only be considered on a space-available basis.